I have spoken with a lot of people who have traveled through our area, and I am in agreement with them that something needs to be done with the interstate here in the Russellville area — from the Pope County line to the west, to the last exit for Russellville to the east. I have traveled in a lot of different states, and our area has the worst road I have ever traveled on.

I can only imagine what the people that travel through our area think. Something needs to be done if we want people to continue to come to the Russellville area for enjoyment or work. We want more businesses to come to our area, but we aren’t wanting to improve our roads? That’s not saying a lot for us.

There was recently a story written saying how much has been collected since 2003 for streets and drainage from a sales tax in our area — nearly $38 million. Can we not use some of that money to repair the interstate in our area? Why wasn’t the interstate fixed when all the other counties around us did theirs? They seemed to have stopped when it got to Pope County. Was there a reason for that?

I am just one of the people who is getting tired of having to pay for repairs on my vehicle because of the bad condition of our roads. The cost of repairs is going up just like everything else, so unnecessary damage because of the roads is something I am tired of paying for.

Linda Baugh

Russellville

Thank you Herb Taylor

I am writing to publicly say thank you to my friend James “Herb” Taylor for 24 years of service to the children, patrons and faculty of the Russellville School District. I did not always agree with Herb’s postion on school matters, but he was always respectful as he listened and considered the merits of my opposing view. Herb is a very patient person and always took the time to explain the board’s actions. Thanks Herb.

Leslie Teaff

Russellville

Frustrated with the system

Over a year ago, I was assaulted by a man who was out on parole. Because of a lack of evidence and witnesses, the man remained free to roam the streets and harm other individuals. This past July, this same man pulled a weapon at a local club and physically assaulted me for a second time. Another police report was filed, but still nothing has been done. I currently have an appointment to meet with someone next week to discuss the matter. While waiting on this man’s parole officer to check into the tips I had given him on this particular individual, a shooting took place at the individual’s residence. This story was reported in The Courier last week and on local news stations as well. My question for the police, parole office, city and state attorney’s offices is how do you question, and then let a two-time felon go free when someone has been shot. My degree is in English, not law, so help me understand how this can be. We, the citizens of Russellville, deserve answers because as long as he is walking the streets, saftey is at a minimum. It seems like someone has dropped the ball along the way.